A Guide to Keeping Your Bathroom Sparkling Clean

The bathroom can be notoriously difficult to clean, especially in those hard to reach areas around the vanity and toilet, and without the right action, a bathroom can quickly lose its shine.


Photos Via: Living Etc.

It is important for the bathroom to be kept clean, and even more so when visitors unexpectedly turn up, and if you would like some help in the bathroom cleaning department, here are a few ways to ensure that your bathroom always looks fresh and inviting.

Vinegar Cleans

Vinegar is a very effective cleaner of both porcelain and chrome – simply fill up a small spray bottle which can be used with a damp cloth to clean all your bathroom surfaces. If space is a bit limited and you’re thinking of a bathroom revamp, see these bathroom suites for small bathrooms that are specifically designed for limited space bathrooms. After removing the vinegar, make sure you buff chrome surfaces dry, which will ensure there are no watermarks. If you soak your showerhead in vinegar overnight, it will look like brand new after a good rinse in the morning, and you won’t need to scrub the surfaces with an overnight soak.

Lemon Juice & Borax

You probably didn’t know that mixing borax and lemon juice provides a solution that will remove stains from enamel porcelain – simply apply the mixture to the affected area and rub with an abrasive pad (made from plastic) and this should remove stubborn stains. Again, you should buff the surfaces dry before using them, which will bring up a shine that would make any bathroom look great. This handy mixture is also an effective remover of toilet stains, which can be used with your regular toilet brush, flushing with water when finished.

Make Use of A Squeegee

This handy tool is a must for the bathroom and should be used to clean bath surfaces and shower screens. While it might not look unsightly to leave tiny droplets of water, this moisture can cause mould to form, which is not something you want to see anywhere in the house. A small squeegee can hang on the inside of the cabinet door and once you get into the habit of using it after each shower or bath, it will soon become second nature.

Changing Bathroom Furniture

When you decide to renovate the bathroom and are looking at bathroom suites, cleanliness and hygiene should be high on your list of priorities, and some bathroom furniture is easier to clean than others. If you would like to view a range of stunning bathroom suites, a Google search will bring up a list of local suppliers, and whether modern or traditional, your bathroom can benefit from a designer brand suite.

Ideally, you should set aside one hour per week and dedicate this to giving the bathroom a once over. This would involve a ceiling to floor application, and with clever use of the sponge and squeegee, the entire room will take on a sheen of its own. Buy a couple of sweet smelling air fresheners and replace them often, and that’s really all it takes to ensure that your bathroom always looks clean and fresh.

Rent this Modern Vacation Home in Seagrove Beach

Do you want to experience the most beautiful getaway in Florida? Take a look at this gorgeous home in SeaGrove Beach. It may be just what you’re looking for!

Form follows function, a principle that is especially true at this modern beach home in Seagrove Beach, Florida.  Purposely built to enhance time by the shore, this newly constructed dwelling utilizes intelligent design to enhance vacations for visiting guests. Yes, this modern home know as Day Dreamer is available for rent!

Living Space

This home seamlessly blends sophisticated contemporary styling with fashionable Vintage Mid Century Modern detailing, which is highlighted by Pop Art and vibrant abstract accouterments. The main open living area has a wall of windows overlooking a sunny pool patio. It features au courant seating that includes a pastel blue couch and twin dove gray accent chairs ensembled around a rug patterned on a magnified tropical leaf.

A long sleek black rectangular gas fireplace with a wide opening and an indented space above it containing an extra wide wall mounted TV is accented by a blonde hardwood surfaced wall. Light misty gray tiled flooring flows into the dining area with a table and eight sculpted white plastic chairs showcasing a classic modern look. Nearby a gleaming cream colored kitchen island with a hidden sink sits beneath three suspended vintage bulb lighted globes and includes tucked away stool seating. Brushed stainless steel appliances and white surfaced cabinetry are highlighted by a wall of bright white subway tile.

The Pool

A sparkling pool has chairs for lounging at one end and an open cabana at the other. Two flutes of water spill gently into the pool evoking a lovely sense of serenity. The cabana includes wraparound seating, a stainless steel gas grill, built-in bench seating with a table, a Wet Bar and a convenient bathroom.

The Master Suite

The spacious Master Bedroom has a king sized bed with a striking zigzag patterned spread in black and white. An urbane contemporarily styled couch provides seating and faces a wall-mounted TV for entertainment. The private luxury bath has a long white interconnected rectangular sink with separate faucets at each end. A unique Shower Room has slate gray tiled walls, a frosted window for light and an entire wall of glass for its entry. A large raised white soaking tub within sits beside two rain head showers.

Guest Rooms

Two Guest Suites are on the first-floor level while a stylish modern open staircase leads to the Master Bedroom and other guest quarters upstairs. The hallway connecting them includes a Wet Bar for favorite drinks. An adjoining second-floor balcony that overlooks the pool has a spiral staircase that soars up to an open rooftop sundeck with a fire pit. Six high backed light blue bean bag inspired chairs surround it for comfortable mod seating.

The Locale

This home is on Northwest Florida’s dazzling Emerald Coast, which features jewel-toned gulf waters and sugary white sand beaches. It’s sited in Seagrove Beach on famed Scenic 30A and is 150 yards from the shimmering shore centered in a world of idyllic living with restaurants, bars, galleries, concerts and seasonal festivals nearby.

What is a Quonset Structure and Why Is it A Great Choice of Building Material?

 For anybody interested in alternative architecture or for someone who wants a practical, durable solution for their building needs, Quonset structures can be an exciting and reasonable option. With many surprising advantages, Quonset structures can have a lot to offer for anyone who is thinking about starting a new building project. There are many reasons you should consider choosing Quonset as your structure of choice. 


Photos By: Living Etc

What Quonset Structures Are

Quonset huts are structures made of corrugated metal. Originally used during World War II, they can be found today in use as bases for a wide variety of structures, from storage solutions to cozy homes. A great option to use for all kinds of building projects, they have a unique appearance and can come with a long list of great traits that can help set them apart from more traditional building materials.

Durability

One of the best traits of Quonset structures can be their durability. Quonset huts are incredibly sturdy and can withstand high-velocity winds and extreme weather. This can make them a great option for anyone who lives in an area that may experience hurricanes or other natural disasters. You can use a Quonset shed as a safe storage place for vehicles, trailers, or even boats to keep them safe from wind, rain, sun, and snow. Since they are made of metal, Quonset structures are naturally weatherproof and don’t need to be painted or maintained as much as wood or other materials.

Low Impact 

Another great benefit of Quonset structures is their low impact on the environment. A good option for anybody who wants to create an environmentally friendly home, they can be well insulated, which helps to reduce power consumed with heating and air conditioning. The Quonset material itself is also completely recyclable. When your Quonset structure is no longer in use it can be repurposed and reused. These features can help you to feel good about choosing Quonset as a sustainable option for your building needs.   

Ease of Construction

If building a DIY home is an appealing idea but you don’t have a lot of prior experience with constructing a building, then a Quonset hut home could be the perfect option for you. Quonset homes or sheds can be relatively easy to put together while still being sturdy. Quonset structures can also be highly customizable, so you can get the layout you want while still being able to put it together in a kit form.

While options can vary depending on where you get your Quonset, you should find there are a lot of choices that can work for your specific project. Less time consuming than many other construction projects, building a Quonset home can be a fun way to develop your own building abilities and get great results. Whether you’re planning on setting up your home on your own or with a group, Quonset projects can be a great choice for almost any skill level.

Versatility 

In addition to being very reliable structures, Quonset homes are incredibly versatile. Considering how sturdy and durable they can be, Quonset structures are also surprisingly portable and can be moved from one location to another while staying intact. Another aspect of their versatility can be the fact that you can use them for so many different types of projects. From simple yet effective sheds to entire custom homes made from Quonset huts, there are a lot of ways you can use them to make your life easier.

Steelmaster Buildings in different sizes and styles that can be well suited for different kinds of projects. If you’re interested in how you can turn a Quonset hut into an adorable and comfortable home you should find that there are a lot of ideas and inspiration available online.

Building With Quonset

Quonset structures can be durable, environmentally friendly, and versatile. All of these traits combined with the ease with which you can set them up can make them a great choice for almost any building project. If you’re thinking about constructing a shed or even building your own home, then Quonset should definitely be on your list of options. You should find that it has a lot to offer and is reliable enough to last for many years to come.

The Best Way To Clean Your Antique Mirror

Antique mirrors are one decor accessory that add glam, sophistication and style to any home. Maintenance and keeping them looking as good as when you first purchased them can be a little tricky. Here are some tips on how to clean your antique mirrors!


Photo: VSP Interiors

Having an antique mirror in your home is an excellent addition, and mirrors can be used to give a room the illusion that it is larger than it is. The one thing with mirrors though is that they do show smudges and dirt if they are not kept clean. If you have an antique mirror in your home and you are looking for advice on how to clean it, below are some cleaning tips that you may find useful. With a bit of know-how and elbow grease, you can get your mirror sparkling again.

For more information on how to clean your mirrors, you can also look for related articles online and you will surely find plenty of useful advice.


Photo: Tanya Capaldo Designs

First Consult An Expert

When you hang a mirror on the wall, the back of the mirror can get exposed to moisture, and over time this moisture can hurt your mirror. When the mirror has been exposed to moisture for too long, the silver layer which gives the reflective properties of the mirror can start to peel off. If you find that this is the case with your antique mirror, then you are best off contacting an expert to get them to add a new silver layer to the mirror to keep it shining like new.


Photo: Historical Concepts

Cleaning The Glass

If you have something like an antique overmantle mirror which is in fair condition, but the glass needs a good clean, then you will want to make sure that you do not use any strong chemicals on it. Using strong chemicals can affect the silver layer at the back of the mirror and force you to seek the help of an expert and get it recoated. All you need to clean the glass of the mirror is a soft cloth, rubbing alcohol, and water. Mix the alcohol and water and dip the soft cloth in the solution, use the cloth to wipe away all the dirt and grime on the glass.


Photo: Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home

Removing The Film On Mirrors

If a film has built-up on the surface of your mirror, there are several ways that you can get rid of this. You can try using newspaper and white vinegar. You will want to use a spray bottle with vinegar inside and apply this to the area with the build-up, and then use the newspaper to rub the area without applying too much pressure. You can also use shaving cream and a microfibre cloth to get rid of the film that has built up using the same technique. If the build-up is not too bad, then you can even use water and a microfibre cloth which should be good enough to get rid of the film. Just remember not to apply too much pressure when cleaning your antique mirror.

Cleaning The Frame Of The Mirror

You must be very careful when cleaning the mirror frame as many shop-bought, and home remedies can end up damaging it. The best solution to get your mirror frame clean again is to take it to a local expert and have them clean it for you, especially if the frame is ornate.

How to Create a Well-lit Room

Transform any dull room in your home by installing lighting, the right way. Here are some ideas to create ambiance, mood, and make your space look twice as big with the right lighting!


Photos By: Living Etc.

How to create a well-lit room

Nobody ever really noticed good lighting, unless they make an active effort. That’s because when lighting works, it fully works. Everyone in the room is fully relaxed, and they might not even realize it. Change the lighting in your home to create a space that feels cozy and welcome. A well-lit room can really mean all the difference in the world, and for many reasons. There are several ways how a person could go about that, and here are a few.

Always use a dimmer

No matter the reason, dimmers are always an essential part of lighting. They allow the room to become much more flexible than before, and they’re great energy savers on top of that. For some rooms, it might take a bit of electrical work, but it’s completely worth it in the end. They not only increase the longevity of the bulbs, but they’re instrumental in creating mood lighting for any time of day.

Known which bulbs you’re using

A key mistake people make is they opt for either the cheapest or the first bulbs they find. Think of lighting as a home improvement investment that will truly pay off in the long run. That can create all sorts of problems down the line. Cheaper ones tend to malfunction very sooner than most, and they don’t always look the best. Aesthetics are an important aspect of lighting too. Sometimes you just want the bulb to make sense in the room. There are plenty of different light bulbs to choose from, each with their own distinct style and look.

Have several points of light

One of the most basic mistakes a lot of people make is to make their lighting central. There is a general feeling of discomfort when there’s only one source of light in the room. That’s why using several points of light can really create a better atmosphere. Also, not every source should have the same strength. A fun way to play up a room with lighting is using neon lights. My favorite neon lighting is the ‘I licked it so it’s mine neon sign‘ which really brings in some fun and color to a room. Aesthetics play an important role in lighting, and options like vintage filament lamps can be a great addition, like the ones from Lampwise.

Don’t forget which room it is

Every room should have its own distinct sense of lighting. Not every space is created equal or has the same use. Sometimes you need to work, and sometimes you need to relax, and there are different lightings for those. A living room should have a good combination of dimmable sources, as well as lamps, down-lights, and even candles. Kitchens tend to be the most difficult to create good lighting for, and it should ideally light up your workspace.

Consider using incandescent lighting

Every home should feel inviting. That means that warm lighting is a necessity, otherwise, a home might feel like a waiting room. The key for incandescent lighting is to use bulbs that have a softer, yellow light emission. Yellow light tends to feel much more relaxing, which is the opposite of blue light, which can suppress sleepiness. It’s an important distinction to make, especially if the room is somewhere you spend lots of time in.

Having a well-lit room can work wonders on the well-being of everyone that spends time in it. It can really create a good feeling of comfort in a room or make a person feel much more productive. Lighting is an important aspect of every home and should be utilized to its full potential.